Abstract: Novel processes are provided for the preparation of useful materials from tubers of Jerusalem artichoke or similar inulin-containing plants. In one process, a flour is prepared from such tubers which comprises the steps of: macerating the tubers to a pumpable fluid homogenate, preferably in an environment of steam; heating the pumpable fluid homogenate at a temperature ranging from about 150.degree. C. for a time ranging, respectively, from about 15 seconds to about 10 minutes; subjecting the heated, pumpable fluid homogenate to spray-drying in a stream of hot gas, and recovering a flour comprising a mixture of monosaccharides, small oligosaccharides and large oligosaccharides, e.g. about 50-60% small fructooligosaccharides and about 40-50% large oligosaccharides. In another process, a food-grade accidulant, preferably acetic acid is added, either before, during or after the macerating step to provide an acidified, pumpable fluid homogenate of such tubers.

Abstract: A method for the continuous production of a purified immunoglobulin preparation wherein the antibodies are substantially enriched by means of a selective two-step ammonium sulfate fractionation procedure employing centrifugation and ion depletion processes. The purified immunoglobulins are subsequently commingled with condensed skim milk and spray dried. The resulting product for example is employed in the formulation of milk replacers for artificial rearing of neonatal pigs to provide the passive immunity to disease normally provided by sows' colostrum and later milk.